15 November 2023 , 10:49
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As researchers hail a new treatment that could bolster the fight against cervical cancer experts warn that early symptoms may be difficult to detect before the disease has spread.
The NHS has vowed to totally eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 in a "truly momentous" move that is hoped will save thousands of lives. Almost 3,000 women were diagnosed with the disease in England last year, with 850 losing their lives. Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, has pledged to achieve the "life-saving ambition" by increasing uptake of the HPV vaccine and screening.
England is among the first countries in the world to set a target of eradication within the next two decades. A vaccine for HPV is given to boys and girls before they turn 13 and also to people at high risk of the disease. The jab will now be made more readily available at more convenient locations such as libraries and sports centres.
According to the National Cancer Institute in the very early stage cervical cancer doesn’t usually have symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Symptoms tend to normally start once the cancer has spread.
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Experts say there are some symptoms that can occur during the early stage. These include: vaginal bleeding after sex, vaginal bleeding after menopause, vaginal bleeding between periods of periods that are heavier or longer than normal, vaginal discharge that is watery and has a strong odour or contains blood, and pelvic pain or pain during sex.
Once the cancer has spread beyond the cervix or other parts of the body and enters an advanced stage other symptoms may then appear. These include: difficult or painful bowel movements or bleeding from the rectum when having a bowel movement, difficult or painful urination or blood in the urine, dull backache, swelling of the legs, pain in the abdomen, and feeling tired.
The NHS says you should see a GP if you have symptoms and added: " These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have cervical cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early means treatment is more likely to be successful."